Photos courtesy of Nev Meek
A new national plaque scheme, “Pobel a Gernow” got off to a flying start this month at Liskeard.
“Pobel a Gernow”, ‘people of Cornwall’, is a collaboration between the Federation of Old Cornwall Societies, Gorsedh Kernow, and the Cornwall Heritage Trust. The scheme aims to erect plaques to those who have made a significant contribution to Cornwall.
On Friday 9th May the first plaque was unveiled to recognise Albert de Castro Glubb (1865-1947), the first President of Liskeard Old Cornwall Society, and a bard of the Gorsedh. Albert rescued many Cornish monuments and brought them into public ownership. This included King Doniert’s Stone, St Keyne Well, the Hurler Stone Circles, Dupath Well, and many medieval crosses. Four such sites are now in the care of the CHT.
The plaque was mounted on the entrance wall of Pendean House, Liskeard, Albert’s former home. It was unveiled by his granddaughter, in the presence of the Mayor of Liskeard, President of Liskeard OCS, and representatives from the organising groups. The unveiling was videoed by Chris Trevena, the Federation’s Dialect Recorder.
Albert was also a talented woodcarver and those attending the unveiling were able to view some of his work on the staircase at Pendean House. Following the unveiling a reception was held at the Emily Hobhouse Room, for an extended group of dignitaries, who enjoyed a pasty lunch whilst viewing the video of the unveiling.
In the afternoon a “story café” was held in the Public Rooms at Liskeard. Liskeard OCS had prepared an excellent exhibition on Albert, his life, and his works. the exhibition also included Liskeard’s mayoral chair which had also been carved by Albert. The Federation bookstall, and a CHT merchandise table added to the event. Brian Oldham, President of Liskeard OCS gave an excellent talk on the life and work of Albert; this was followed by a talk by the renowned archaeologist, Peter Herring, who provided fantastic insights into the four sites saved by Albert, and now in the care of the CHT.
Brian Oldham and Liskeard OCS are to be congratulated on their efforts. They made the original nomination for Albert de Castro Glubb, carried out much additional research, negotiated with the householder, and were responsible for many of the local arrangements. They really did uphold the reputation of Old Cornwall for hard work and professionalism.
Societies are encouraged to make further nominations to the scheme so that we can ensure that the most deserving “worthies” are recognised the length and breadth of the Duchy.
More details of the scheme can be found: https://kernowgoth.org/pobel-a-gernow
The video of the unveiling ceremony and talks can be found on the Federation’s YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/f_wvtWmL3uY